Linux creator Linus Torvalds has returned after taking a break to think about his sometimes intemperate behavior.

In September, Torvalds decided to take a sabbatical following years of criticism regarding his public outbursts and his poor treatment of developers. It’s alleged that at one point he even advocated “physical intimidation and violence.”

“I need to change some of my behavior, and I want to apologize to the people that my personal behavior hurt and possibly drove away from kernel development entirely,” Torvalds said at the time, adding that he felt he should take a break to “understand people’s emotions and respond appropriately.”

Just over a month later, he’s back at the helm. Linux chief Greg Kroah-Hartman announced that he’s now handing the kernel back after overseeing development during Torvalds’ break. He wrote in his missive that a break was good for everyone.

“So here is my plea to everyone out there,” said Kroah-Hartman. “Let’s take a day or two off, rest, relax with friends by sharing a meal, recharge, and then get back to work, to help continue to create a system that the world has never seen the likes of, together.”

After Torvalds’ admission that his behavior was somewhat fractious, Linux added a Code of Conduct for programmers. The gist of that was that developers would be treated with “respect and dignity” and that the community would be more welcoming to newcomers. The new code asks that if criticism is given, it should be constructive and the language used be inclusive.

The code was revised after it was initially written up to ask in addition that the community remain “a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of age, body size, disability, ethnicity, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression, level of experience, education, socio-economic status, nationality, personal appearance, race, religion, or sexual identity and orientation.”

Image: thierry ehrmann via Flickr